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Factor analysis of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire
Britt Posserud1, Astri J Lundervold, Maaike C Steijnen
1Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Bergen, Norway. maj-britt.posserud@rbup.uib.no
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|January 8, 2008
Summary
This study analyzed the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) in children aged 7-9. Findings suggest refining ASSQ analysis by examining individual factor scores can improve autism screening efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening tools require robust validation.
- The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a widely used screening instrument.
- Understanding the factor structure of the ASSQ in young children is crucial for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factor structure of parent and teacher versions of the ASSQ in 7-9-year-old children.
- To validate the derived factors by correlating them with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
- To explore potential improvements in ASSQ screening efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis was applied to parent and teacher ASSQ data from children aged 7-9.
- Factor scores were correlated with subscale scores from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for validation.
- Statistical analysis focused on identifying distinct factors within the ASSQ responses.
Main Results:
- A consistent three-factor solution emerged for both parent and teacher ASSQ versions.
- The primary factor, explaining most variance, related to social functioning and correlated strongly with SDQ peer problems.
- Additional factors identified autism-associated problems and a cognitive style specific to high-functioning autism/Asperger syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The ASSQ demonstrates a stable three-factor structure in young children.
- Social functioning is a key component of ASSQ, validated by SDQ peer problems.
- Individual profile analysis of ASSQ factor scores may enhance screening accuracy for autism spectrum conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
02:01Factorial Design
Factorial Analysis is an experimental design that applies Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical procedures to examine a change in a dependent variable due to more than one independent variable, also known as factors. Changes in worker productivity can be reasoned, for example, to be influenced by salary and other conditions, such as skill level. One way to test this hypothesis is by categorizing salary into three levels (low, moderate, and high) and skills sets into two levels (entry level...